Get into the act!  Our body and brain work together to help us stay poised.

Put your sense of equilibrium to the test in Balancing Act, a new hands-on and feet exhibit debuting Jan. 28 at the Children’s Museum of Houston.

From teetering toddlers to tight-rope walkers, balance is something we use in our everyday lives.

Balancing Act focuses on the physical nature of balance and the body systems that work together to achieve that balance.

Through a variety of challenging activities, such as balance beams, bridges and balance boards, you can get into the act and test your sense of balance in a fun, playful environment.

Discover what keeps spinning tops spinning, gymnasts on track, and ice skaters on the edge!

WHAT IS MLK DAY:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed for us to live in a world where we would “not be judged by the color of [our] skin, but by the content of [our] character.” Take a trip to the Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH) to honor his acclaimed “I Have a Dream Speech” which rocked the nation during the Civil Rights Movement in 1963 and sparked his everlasting legacy.

 

SPECIAL MLK DAY EVENTS:

• State Rep. Garnet Colemanand Gardere Oratory Speech Winner Recital: Listen to the uplifting words of State Rep. Garnet Coleman as he introduces this year’s Gardere Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Competition winner.
• Caryakid Award Honoring Judge Zinetta A. Burney: We’ll pay tribute to Harris County Court Precinct 7’s Justice of the Peace for her service.
• Peace Rally Led by CMH Kid’s Committee and MLK "I Have a Dream" Speech" rendition: Join the Kid’s Committee in a peaceful march down Kid's Hall to celebrate our civil rights then hear the speech that changed it all.
• Young Harmonies of Houston: Listen to the moving and inspirational sounds of this young group of performers.

ON-GOING MLK DAY ACTIVITIES:

• Freedom Hands: Dr. King taught us to work together toward freedom. Express with your hands freedoms you have at the Alexander Art Academy.
• Dream Portraits: Reflect on your own talent, personality and dreams for the future by making a life size portrait of yourself in Tree Top and One World.
• Dream Wall: Dr. King had dreams, and we know you do too. Come to Junktion, write down your dream and share it with us on our Dream Wall.
• Family Seal: Design a special symbol which represents the beliefs of you and your family at Junktion.
• Paper Cranes: Embrace a different culture and Dr. King’s message of peace through symbolic origami cranes at Junktion.
• African American Scientist and Inventors: Learn about their achievements and explore how they have impacted our society at Science Station.

WHEN:

MLK Day Peace Rally, January 16, 2012 at Noon
***Events, times and activities subject to change

WHERE:

Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004

HOURS/COST:

• MUSEUM HOURS: Monday, January 16; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Special event general Museum admission: $5 per person. Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission.
• For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138

CELEBRATE MLK DAY OF SERVICE BY DONATING BLOOD:

We're partnering with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Centers and hosting a blood drive at the Museum as part of our MLK Day events.
12 noon – 4:30 p.m.
2nd Floor Room
FREE T-SHIRT for all who donate!

Schedule Your Appointment online in Digital Donor or contact The Blood Center at 713-791-6326.

Find ways to get fit together at the YMCA of Greater Houston Open Houses this Saturday, January 14, 2012. Join the Y for fun, family activities, group exercise classes, giveaways and more. The event is free and open to the public.

The first 50 guests at each Y will receive a complimentary YMCA workout towel.

If you become a new member, you will enjoy no joining fee (up to a $100 value) by signing up during the month of January. Please tell them you heard about it from Sheila Ochsner (FreckleTown).